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Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe for Perfect Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring a creamy tomato basil sauce that is perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe balances rich creaminess with fresh basil and tangy tomatoes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces / 800 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in the 28-ounce (800 g) can of crushed tomatoes and ½ cup (120 ml) broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
  5. Lower the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time (about ½ cup or as needed) to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
  6. Stir in 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves just before combining with pasta.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Off the heat, sprinkle ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to melt slightly into the sauce.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and improve texture. Add basil at the end to keep its bright flavor. Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives. Gluten-free pasta can be used without changing the recipe.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato basil pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta, creamy pasta sauce, basil pasta, quick dinner

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/easy-creamy-tomato-basil-pasta-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinners/